The cost of living for a family of five living in Lusaka district has increased by over K 230 from K5, 979.57 in the month of July to K6, 210.76 in the month of August showing an of 3.9 percent.
Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection Social and Economic Development Programme Officer Chanda Chileshe says the upward shift in the cost of living was due to rise in prices of some food items such as rice, beans, kapenta and mealie meal.
He explains that the increase in the price of these food items was mainly due to the reduced availability of the commodities on the market adding that the continued rise in cost of living is distressing as this is perpetuating hunger especially among the marginalized who have already been struggling to afford a decent living.
“The price of rice increased from K97.48 per 5kg in July to K107.87per 5 kg in August, with beans increasing from K25.29 per Kg in July to K33.71 per kg in August and kapenta increased from K181.62 per kg in July to K188.68 per Kg in August” said Mr. Chileshe.
He explains to Money FM that in order to address the high cost of living which is subsequently perpetuating hunger but also the problem of load shedding, it is imperative that Government puts in place appropriate measures and interventions.
“In the first place Government needs to own up and be open about the current situation. Further Government needs to engage key stakeholders such as farmers associations, millers and researchers who can help out on how the country can come out of the current situation “he said.